An integral part of the skyline of Zanzibar, along with mosque minarets, Hindu temple towers, and church spires, is the Tower Top restaurant of Emerson & Green Hotel. The second tallest building in Stone Town Zanzibar, the hotel has been restored to its former glory when it was the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. Atmosphere is of principal import as the furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of varied origins and styles that, together, create the impressions of Arabian Nights and sultan princesses escaping in the dead of the night for romance.

The ten guestrooms are beautiful and romantic, each representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. All rooms except for the Kipembe room are equipped with large stone bathtubs providing unusual bathing pleasure where a bubble bath and a bottle of wine are a frequent request. Ceiling fans keep our guests cool along with the constant breeze on the upper floors. Second and first floor rooms as well as the South room are equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second floors have 20 foot ceilings, carved doors, original stucco décor and hand painted glass lamps and window panes. All guest rooms have large Zanzibari beds complete with netting.

The Tower Top Restaurant, a common stop for newlyweds and marriage proposers alike, is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Featuring a panoramic view of Stone Town and a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, it is the perfect to watch the sun set. Eighty feet above the Stone Town and sitting on Persian carpets, more than one guest has told us that dinner here feels like a ride on a magic carpet. The dining room is open on all sides and guests sit Arabian-style on pillows and carpets, their shoes having been left at the door, while their dinner is served in five or more courses and accompanied by the sites and sounds of exotic Zanzibar.

We are pleased to announce the addition of the new "Peace of Love" wing. All rooms include a small buffet breakfast served in the Tower Top Restaurant from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Check in times are flexible and check out time is 11:00 a.m.

All rooms receive fresh flowers, bottled water, and fresh jasmine flowers on the pillows at bedtime.

Suite Tour : Located on the Northwest corner of the Peace of Love wing, this suite has a commanding view both from it’s balcony windows and from it’s own private tower top tea house. The antique furnishings including a romantic brass bed under voluminous netting offer the realfeel of Zanzibar in the grand style of the Victorian era when Zanzibar was a hub of trade for all East Africa. Air conditioning and a ceiling fan provide the comfort needed for the hot Zanzibar days and a cool breeze while taking in the panorama from your own tower top will be the highlight of your stay in Zanzibar. A large stone bath and bath facilities are tucked away in one corner near and under the substantial teakwood stairs to your tower top retreat. From high upon the rooftops guests can take in breathtaking sunsets over the historical Stone Town.

Suite Pavilion : This suite’s decor is inspired by the boat houses of India with intricate painted wood detailing. Facing West over the Peace of Love Square this semi-open suite is decorated with painted filigree wood arches opening onto an intimate verandah bordered by a crenolated parapet. Cool colors of blue and white predominate around the harem-like bed placed on a large platform adorned by a multitude of hand embroiderd and batik pillows. The bathroom is semi-open to the sky yet enclosed from view by hardwood lattice work partitioning which allow guests to look out while they are bathing, but not to be seen. A spiral staircase leads to a small deck observatory where guests can take in a wide panoramic view over the rooftops of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean beyond.

Suite Blue : In the western Peace of Love wing, Suite Blue is situated off the second floor verandah where there is an abundnce of potted plants and an antique garden swing framed by a wooden bridge and staircase. The room boasts marble floors and twenty foot ceilings above a strip of original stucco decor. The walls are a cool blue throughout the large room which is divided by a teakwood screen partition of carved Indian filigree. One enters into a comfortable lounge with a writing desk sofa and chairs to relax in pleasant conversation. Beyond the wooden screen and a delicate voile curtain stands the unique wooden bed, one of the oldest in Zanzibar, with mystic symbols carved in the headboards all under dramatic batik trimmed netting. The bathroom lies just off the bedroom where a stone tub in warm tones of brown and deep blue provide a luxurious bath. Details in painted glass and colored glass windows adorn this space. The room is equipped with air conditioning and a ceiling fan above the bed for cool Suite Blue comfort.

Keep Suite : This suite at the pinnacle of the western Peace of Love wing commands aspectacular view from it’s private “ castle keep” retreat. The Keep Suite is actually four distinct sections: the bedroom, the verandah parlor, the verandah garden, and the castle keep itself. Guests first enter the verandah parlor. Rich details encompass this room with it’s beautiful city-scape view, a traditional swing, antique writing desk and paintings by one of Zanzibar’s most renowned artists. To the left side of the parlor is a stone bath with antique tile inlays and with the facilities neatly tucked behind a decorative hand painted glass screen and batik trimmed curtain. The bedroom features a gigantic bed in a coccoon of netting and original batik trim fabric all with a fan directly above the bed. Carved lattice windows open to a rooftop city view while air conditioning makes for a comfortable cool haven from the Zanzibar heat. From the verandah garden up a teakwood staircase lies the “castle keep” itself, boasting an antique swing seat and a large couch for sunset cocktails or breakfast. The view from the stairs and skywalk leading to the “castle keep” are much like standing on the prow of a proud ocean liner above the city. We must emphasize that while most guests adore this room, if you suffer a fear of heights, this room is NOT for you.

Suite Rose : The beautiful carved door of this spacious two room suite lies just beneath a majestic arch off the second floor verandah in the western Peace of Love wing. The master bedroom boasts an elegant lounge area with a crystal chandelier and grandfather clock while the windows offer a western view of our bustling swahili community of Peace of Love Square. At the far end of the room is a magnificent antique brass bed with detailing in mother of pearl and with dramatic netting trimmed in dinstinctive batic fabric. A second room lies off to the left of the master bed. A picturesque broad sofa doubles as a second bed beneath its own batik trimmed netting. A writng desk provides a comfortable space to relax to write letters home and to friends. An arched entry leads to the bathroom with a substantial stone tub excellent for relaxing bubble baths. Air conditioning and cieling fans provide for cool comfort in this lovely rose hued haven from the bustle of Stone Town. The Suite Rose is named in honor of the Rose Revolution of Georgia in 2003, the year of this suite’s conception.

Suite Sultan Seyyed : Situated on the top floor of the western Peace of Love wing Suite Sultan Seyyed is accessible either from the picturesque wooden bridge above the second floor verandah or the internal stairs near the Rose Suite under the ample archway. Guests enter a richly appointed sitting room with a magnificent teakwood credenza and bordeaux red drapes which flow from one end to the other of this large suite lending a feeling of richness, extravagance and power worthy of the Sultan who brought the bordeaux red colored flag to Zanzibar as it’s national flag. Ornately carved wooden windows provide for an intimate retreat from the bustling neighborhood below. Through an ample archway lies the bedroom area with a beatiful brass bed with luxurious batik trimmed netting. The bath is semi open with a large stone bath beyond the bedroom area. This room is large light and airy with rows of windows along the east and west walls. Guests may open the windows for a beautiful sea breeze or take advantage of air conditioning and ceiling fans for cool comfort high above the streets of Zanzibar.

North Room : Beautiful latticework in African hardwood enclose the room from its open veranda offering a splendid view of the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar Stone Town. The large stone tub with shower is incorporated into the veranda and enclosed by lattice screens and tropical plants framing starlit nights and the view for a very romantic bath.

South Room : The South room is like an island above Stone Town, accessible only by way of a wooden bridge from the top floor veranda.
South offers an air-conditioned bedroom, a lattice enclosed veranda and a semi-open bathroom. The open-air stone bath and shower where you bathe under the stars personifies tropical freedom.

East Room : As its name suggests, this room faces east and receives the lion's share of the morning sun. Excellent for early risers who want to get up and seize the day by exploring Josani Forest and its resident monkey, or taking a beach trip to Prison Island. Beautiful African hardwood latticework separates the veranda that wraps around the room on two sides. From your spacious sitting area you can enjoy the beautiful view and the cooling breezes.

West Room : Located on the top floor, this room has an intimate atmosphere. Hardwood latticework encloses the room on two sides and the veranda presents a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and sunsets over the Sultan's ceremonial palace and the African mainland beyond. The kidney shaped en suite stone bath offers romantic bathing pleasure.

Ballroom : Quite possibly the grandest hotel room in Zanzibar.The Ballroom was, as its name suggests, a room for grand occasions.
Having two beds and room to spare, this room is excellent for families with small children or for those who just want to indulge in grandeur and an en suite sultan-like bath. Air conditioning offers cool comfort for the hot African afternoons.

Gallery : Located on the second floor and decorated in grand style, the Gallery is named for the many handpainted windowpanes in the bathroom. The panes diffuse the strong equatorial sun with images of peacocks, clove trees, and other local flora and fauna.
Air conditioning offers cool comfort from the heat of the African sun.

Lavender Room : The Lavender room is decorated in various shades of lavender and violet. It features an elegant antique brass bed and its own large stone bathe en suite.Lavender is located off the second floor court veranda. Air conditioning and a unique intimate atmosphere make for a pleasant retreat from the tropical heat after an invigorating walk around Stone Town.

Crystal Room : Elegance and comfort are reflected in the mirrors and chandeliers of this large lovely room. Two antique beds allow for more than just couples to enjoy adequate accommodation. The large en suite stone bath offers sultan-like bathing pleasure.
A newly restored balcony allows for discreet viewing of Zanzibar street scenes below. Air conditioning gives cool comfort after a day exploring the exotic island fare.

Zenana Room : Two beautifully appointed rooms suitable for a family or for those guests seeking a private lounging area. High windows facing east and a newly restored balcony over the street contribute to the charm of this enchanting suite. A self contained bathroom with a large stone tub and air conditioning provide added comfort for your stay.

Kipembe Room : Kipembe in Swahili means "corner". Nestled among the rooftops and upper floors of our nearby building, this cozy room on the inner second floor court veranda balcony creates a feeling of being surrounded by the unique environs of exotic Zanzibar. Kipembe offers a bedroom, ante room , and bathroom with a refreshing shower, all in air conditioned comfort

Towertop Restaurant : The Tower Top Restaurant lies high among the minarets, temple towers, and church spires. It is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary eating venues in the world. Located on the roof of the building, it makes guests feel as if they're on top of the world as they sip exotic drinks and watch the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean. The Muslim call to prayer accents the eastern setting of Arab-style pillows and small tables and the Hindu Temple chimes remind visitors that they are far away from the stress they left at home.

A typical menu for the Prix Fixe meal consists of appetizers of local vegetables, seafood and small canapés, a soup or salad, a main course of fish or chicken with vegetables and spice scented rice and, finally, dessert with tea or coffee and after dinner drinks. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated, with prior notice to the chef. As you leave the restaurant, be sure to look up at the stars, we think they're brighter here.
Reservations are necessary.

Kizimkazi Tour : A tour to Kizimkazi, taking in the old mosque. This building remains the oldest, unarguable confirmation of colonial settlement in East Africa and bears a Kufic inscription dating it to the 11th Century. More serious historians should include a visit to Uzi island nearby.

Nikokotoni Village Tumbatu : A trip to Nikokotoni village at the north end of the island. This is the ferrying point to Tumbatu island and the Mkokotoni market is the major point where Tumbatuans sell their fish to Ungujans. For the more adventurous, a trip to Tumbatu Island. where you can visit the only ancient mosque built directly at the sea an the East African coast. The mosque's time of construction is a disputed date anywhere from the 11th to the 17th century. Should you be here at the end of July, you should enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of the celebration of Mwaka Kogua. Dress: festive.

Spice Village Tour : In the 19th Century, the islands of Zanzibar received a major boost in the spice trade with the Omani introduction of cloves. Zanzibar had a near monopoly on the world trade for a long time and despite the emphasis on the wealth gained from the sale of slaves and ivory, the clove industry was the real foundation of the golden age of Zanzibar. This was however, not the beginning of the spice trade, it was only the climax.

An interesting route for the spice tour begins at the Anglican Cathedral which was constructed to commemorate the end of slavery in East Africa. The monuments and relics for the past are deeply moving and the building itself is the physical commemoration of one of the greater moments in human history. To pass from this Cathedral through the spice farms and on to the slave caves at Mwangapani, where hundreds of people were packed into a horrible hole to await death or a lifetime of slavery, is a Journey from our finest ideals back to our darkest, cruelest depths.

Prison Island Tour : This small island, a few kilometers west of Zanzibar town has a horrible history. Safely away from Unguja and yet always within view of Zanzibar town, it was first used by an Arab slave merchant to detain recalcitrant slaves. In the 1890s a General Matthews bought the island and built what be intended as the prison for Zanzibar. The building was, however, never used as such. Later, it became a quarantine station for Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda and then Tanganyika.

Today Prison Island is known for its giant tortoises. It offers excellent views of Zanzibar town, fine bathing and snorkeling. We can arrange for an excellent boat captain to escort you.

Jozani Forest Tour : We encourage you to take at least a small walk through the rainforest, which is uniquely beautiful and very peaceful. If you have any doubts about other mammals having personality, character and choice of behavior, make sure you spend enough time in the rainforests to see the Red Colobus monkeys who shun the cheap feasts provided by tourists along the road. Just as in our human community, there are introverts and extroverts -- or normal people and showmen ~ the Red Colobus monkeys along the road will do anything for a banana -- some will even do x-rated porno. Those that remain deeper in the forest, however, maintain a shy dignity and a grace which is poignantly beautiful.

Real Walking Tours : An art and architectural tour with John Da Silva, Zanzibar’s only internationally known artist. A socio-political tour with Ali Said, a political engage historian.

CAFE - RESTAURANT : For a Light Meal, Sandwiches, Desserts, Drinks, or just morning coffee or afternoon tea with delicious baked goods in a relaxing Zanzibar Atmosphere. For Dinner enjoy our menu inspired by the cuisines of the old Slave Trading Countries from the Indian Ocean, Arabia, Africa, to the Caribbean and Cajun cuisine of the Americas. Comfortably air-conditioned, KIDUDE offers a full bar in a beautiful setting showcasing art, handcrafts, and antiques of Zanzibar. Relax and enjoy with us the African rhythm of life.

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